From Homeless to Artist - A special thanks to Nashville Creative Group

Last week, Kateri and Sam, two of our artists in the Poverty & the Arts Artist Collective program, joined other Nashville artists and musicians at the Nashville Creative Group‘s June meet-up. Meet-ups typically take place once a month, but this meet-up was special. The idea came from local artist and Nashville Creative Group’s founder, Beth Inglish. Beth was asked by art supplies store, Jerry Artarama to test some paints and canvases for them. However, being the community collaborator that she is, Beth decided to turn the “art supplies test” into a co-creation meet-up between local artists and musicians. The idea was simple. Beth walked the artists through a series of emotions in which they used select colors to paint what they felt. The musicians were instructed to play music together that complemented the mood.

When I told Kateri and Sam about the event, they seemed intrigued and curious. I picked them up that night at their homeless camp, and we drove over to Emma’s Bistro for the event. The smile didn’t leave Kateri’s face the entire time. I realized as Kateri and Sam walked around, talked to people, and soaked in the atmosphere that this was the first time that they had had the opportunity to escape their “homeless” identity and fully embrace the identity of an artist. Apart from those that follow Poverty & the Arts, it seemed very few realized Kateri and Sam were homeless. They joined in conversation with other artists about art supplies, art styles, and art studios in the Nashville area. They were even approached by someone asking if they had change for a $20 bill–a situation they rarely find themselves in.

Kateri and Sam came alive as they experienced being in community with other artists. Over and over Kateri and Sam kept thanking me for taking them to the event. They didn’t want to leave when the night was over. It’s amazing how much being given an identity–especially a homeless identity can shape you. For the first time, Kateri and Sam were finally able to break out of a “homeless identity”–even if only for a night–to experience what its like to be an artist. I am so thankful to Beth Inglish, Jerry Artarama, and the entire Nashville Creative Group community for making this such an incredible experience for our artists.